What is the boat you have designed that you are most proud of?
There are many. But there are a few boats that have made their mark, in different categories. In the production boats, the Sun Fizz and the Sun Kiss made revolutions in 1980 and 1983. There have also been Jeanneau Yachts.
The First 50 marked the history of Bénéteau in 2006. It was one of the first truly designer boats.
In the large yachts, the Mari Cha III and IV, cruising boats, but very successful. We also received 15 international awards for best boat of the year, so many of our motoryachts were very successful.
What boat would you have liked to draw?
We look at what is being done and we can have admiration for some boats. In the synthesis boat, which mixes performance and design, practicality and innovation, the best product is the Wally. They are remarkable in that sense. We would have liked to make them, but they are not commercial boats.
What is the project you would like to work on?
I've always been interested in the cutting edge of innovation. I've worked on the America's Cup, the spur of industry, the way of the future. The progress of innovation is happening in the Cup. It's an exciting subject in itself and I'd like to continue in that direction.
There are not many of us who have these bases, this global approach and this competition aspect. There are few architects in the world, and they are mainly French. I am very Juan K (Editor's note: Juan K. began his career in Philippe Briand's architectural firm in La Rochelle). Today, there are other Frenchmen who I find very successful on the competition aspect and innovative in the right sense, like Guillaume Verdier. There was Bruce Farr in the United States or Rolf E. Vrolijk in Germany, but he was not so extroverted or innovative.
